| |
The Presbytery of Tampa Bay
Florida
Elders of the Vietnamese Presbyterian Church of Emmanuel are ordained.
In 2008, the Presbytery of Tampa Bay, home of 76 churches serving 23,731 members, launched new ministries in the traditions of the Great Commission of Matthew 28:19. Congregational leaders are being brought together each quarter to pray, discern, and implement plans that will be effective in reaching new disciples. Pastors in the program meet to support one another as they help congregations be not only faithful disciples who follow Christ, but also apostles sent into the world to make new disciples for Christ.
Recent presbytery meetings featured presentations from pastors of growing churches. The Rev. Yong Il Kim of the Korean Presbyterian Church of Tampa shared insights from the congregation with the largest percentage growth. The Rev. Fitz Conner told the story of First Presbyterian of Tampa, an urban congregation whose worship attendance has tripled and whose ministry has reached many young adults. The Rev. Tom Christian of First Presbyterian of Haines City shared about a rural congregation whose outreach has doubled after implementing a discipleship ministry. The Rev. Bryan Mickle gave thanks for the many cooperative relationships involved in launching North Lakeland Presbyterian Church. Four strategies arising from four contexts provided encouragement to congregational leaders to make Christ known.
Cedarkirk Camp & Conference Center, Beth-El Farmworker Ministry, Inc., Presbyterian Homes and Housing Foundation of Florida, Inc., and Eckerd College are within the presbytery’s bounds.
Presbytery Staff
The Rev. Gerry Tyer, executive presbyter
The Rev. Norm Hatter, stated clerk
The Rev. Susan Snedeker Meier, associate executive for mission
The Rev. Mary McKey, associate executive for nurture
Leslee Kirk-Connell, resource
center director, certified educator
Cheryl Valdebenito, finance/office manager
Carol Walker, education assistant, hospitality and logistics coordinator
Mitch Webb, information technology coordinator
Karen Porter, events coordinator
PC(USA) General Assembly Staff
Linda Spence, OGA
Champaka Srinivasan, GAMC
Susan Stack, GAMC
Lord, in every situation and setting, the responses to the teachings of your all-encompassing love and compassion are inspiring. Thank you for the people who spread the good news of the gospel. In the name of your Son who died for us all. Amen.
Ps. 15, 147:1–11 Ps. 48, 4
Neh. 7:73b–8:3, 5–18 or
Neh. 5:1–19
Rev. 18:21–24; Matt. 15:29–39
|
|
